In keeping with my promise, mainly to myself, I'm going to try and maintain my one post a month quota. This quick topic will be some simple reviews on two new movies.
Go and See!!!
Little Miss Sunshine. This movie was terrific. It has been awhile since I was actually o.k. with paying the ridiculous price for movies now adays. This cast mixes in crazy, serious, distort, innocence, and typical to provide a real intriguing and entertaining two hour story. I don't want to ruin too much so I'll just say that this movie is a sure thing.
Wait for DVD or Just Skip.
Last Kiss. Once again RottenTomatos.com was right. This movie is not that good. It really trys to mix comedy, with drama, with nothing. It is really awkward and annoying to watch people constantly making mistakes and hoping that this mistake will be the last one. Maybe that is the point... maybe it is to serve as a warning to viewers to not make dumb decisions and be content, because one action could ruin everything. I wasn't overly disappointed, but I probably would have been o.k. with missing it.
I Want to See.
Beer Fest. I heard it was stupidly funny and encourages you to drink beer... two pluses in my book.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Power to the People
People have a voice and apparently it is in their wallet.
Remember that email that went around that said boycott Exxon so they feel the same pains as Americans do? Well even though I secretly did boycott Exxon, and still do, it really hasn't done much. However, this bit of news yesterday gave me hope. Paramount pictures has dropped Tom Cruise! The reason? When you get down to it, the reason was money. Apparently his slumping draw (aka low money returns) to the box office and his crazy behavior has left him less than favorable. If you did what I did ever since he held Southpark hostage, made his remarks about how great Christian Scientology is, and chastised all depressed people out there for using anti-depressants and psychology to cure themselves... you made sure not to give Tommy your money and refused to see his movies.
Although this might seem far fetched, it still shows that the holy dollar rules America. Especially in times like this when people should take extra care to where their money goes. Consider a dollar bill like a vote for the people who make a difference in your life, hopefully a good difference, and decide if your vote is worth keeping them around. Make a list of corporations you don't want to support and stick to it, maybe its Wal Mart, Exxon, McDonald's, all Coke products, Comcast, Mel Gibson... whatever.
Hopefully with this move we can now see the episodes of Southpark that challenged Christian Scientology and Cruise's perception of what is the right way to think. Who knows what the future holds if people can take back the power of the dollar and make corporations and people be held accountable for their actions!
Remember that email that went around that said boycott Exxon so they feel the same pains as Americans do? Well even though I secretly did boycott Exxon, and still do, it really hasn't done much. However, this bit of news yesterday gave me hope. Paramount pictures has dropped Tom Cruise! The reason? When you get down to it, the reason was money. Apparently his slumping draw (aka low money returns) to the box office and his crazy behavior has left him less than favorable. If you did what I did ever since he held Southpark hostage, made his remarks about how great Christian Scientology is, and chastised all depressed people out there for using anti-depressants and psychology to cure themselves... you made sure not to give Tommy your money and refused to see his movies.
Although this might seem far fetched, it still shows that the holy dollar rules America. Especially in times like this when people should take extra care to where their money goes. Consider a dollar bill like a vote for the people who make a difference in your life, hopefully a good difference, and decide if your vote is worth keeping them around. Make a list of corporations you don't want to support and stick to it, maybe its Wal Mart, Exxon, McDonald's, all Coke products, Comcast, Mel Gibson... whatever.
Hopefully with this move we can now see the episodes of Southpark that challenged Christian Scientology and Cruise's perception of what is the right way to think. Who knows what the future holds if people can take back the power of the dollar and make corporations and people be held accountable for their actions!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Where Will We Be in 2010
I've been doing a lot of thinking about the future. I can't speak for my wife, but I'm a planner. I try my best to think ahead and lay down the foundation for an easy and successful transition into what will soon be today. Here are the issues I'm facing today, and if you read this and have advice please help me out.
Mortgage:
I had thought about financing with ING to get a 5/1 ARM and start paying principal and get rid of our 30 year fixed Interest Only Loan. Thanks to Kristin and Brian I have decided that that market is a bit too volatile and that keeping a sure thing is better than paying a little principal off. I still need to get rid of this 9.00% variable Interest Only loan though with suntrust. Let me know if you have any thoughts on it, or have similar woes as the real estate market seems to cool down at record pace.
Electric Cars:
Dave sent me an article that exposed me to Tesla Motors. I am very excited about he prospect of electric cars. This new roadster that Tesla Motors is making is sweet. It goes fast, has only 2 gears; one for 65 mph and below and a second for everything above. It doesn't have a reverse gear instead they just rotate the direction of the engines gears (or something to that affect). It gets 250 miles to the charge (3-5 hours to charge) and costs around 2 cents pers mile traveled (2.50 for 250 miles). I think that is pretty good considering it is the first marketed electric car since GM's EV1 back in the early 90s. It will sell for 85,000 - 100,000 and is built on the sporty Lotus platform... if you don't' know what a Lotus is rent Pretty Woman, Richard Gere is driving one in the first 20 minutes. Within 3 year, if Tesla motors is around, they say they will have a more affordable and practical 4 door car out. It should get more miles to the charge and will probably have added features. Right now our fates rest in the hands of the rich and famous to drive this market and increase demand so supply will go up knocking the price down for the little guys. Sarcasm Alert: Thanks politicians for working so hard to provide an alternate solution from Big Oil!
Savings:
I opened an ING account and it is pretty sweet. I get 4.25% interest, but I wonder if there is anything better out there. I'm thinking about doing a CD... any suggestions? I figure that any amount of money I earn for doing nothing is good money, even if a CD is only 1% more than a savings account with ING.
Investing:
I need serious help with this. I want to invest in alternative fuel sources. My buddy Dave is currently the only person I know that is serious about stocks. He has some thoughts on where to stick money, but it would be nice to get a diverse set of opinions. Right now it doesn't look like there is any good move.. maybe Oil or Precious Metals. How much money should you start with when investing... is it a good move, or should you put your money somewhere else (401k, IRA, Mutual Fund, CD etc.)? Is there a ratio of money to living expenses that you should consider so you don't lose your shirt? Are the payoffs really that good for the little investors or does it require something over 10,000 dollars to see any real profit?
Interesting little quote I found about Tesla Motors - Hyipdiscussion.com
Living Area:
Kristin and I have been thinking about where we will be in 2010. Will we be in Northern Virginia or will we head South to Charleston or West to Colorado? It does seem exciting to make a move and head somewhere else, but is it practical? What are the advantages and disadvantages to moving somewhere else. It does sound exciting, but will I find a job and will be able afford it? Where will all our friends be by that time? Will you be somewhere else, why?
Job & Education:
I think I still like my job... but what other options do I have? I'm an enterprise architect/manager. Does that make me marketable other places? Will I get paid somewhere else what I'm paid here? Should I go back to school, if so what should I go back for? I'll have to think about this one... if I'm going to change positions or careers I'll have to think carefully. Let me know what you do and if you like it... I'll be happy to go more in depth as to what an Enterprise Architect is if you have questions about it. I just don't want to bore everyone that isn't reading this with what it is I do.
Mortgage:
I had thought about financing with ING to get a 5/1 ARM and start paying principal and get rid of our 30 year fixed Interest Only Loan. Thanks to Kristin and Brian I have decided that that market is a bit too volatile and that keeping a sure thing is better than paying a little principal off. I still need to get rid of this 9.00% variable Interest Only loan though with suntrust. Let me know if you have any thoughts on it, or have similar woes as the real estate market seems to cool down at record pace.
Electric Cars:
Dave sent me an article that exposed me to Tesla Motors. I am very excited about he prospect of electric cars. This new roadster that Tesla Motors is making is sweet. It goes fast, has only 2 gears; one for 65 mph and below and a second for everything above. It doesn't have a reverse gear instead they just rotate the direction of the engines gears (or something to that affect). It gets 250 miles to the charge (3-5 hours to charge) and costs around 2 cents pers mile traveled (2.50 for 250 miles). I think that is pretty good considering it is the first marketed electric car since GM's EV1 back in the early 90s. It will sell for 85,000 - 100,000 and is built on the sporty Lotus platform... if you don't' know what a Lotus is rent Pretty Woman, Richard Gere is driving one in the first 20 minutes. Within 3 year, if Tesla motors is around, they say they will have a more affordable and practical 4 door car out. It should get more miles to the charge and will probably have added features. Right now our fates rest in the hands of the rich and famous to drive this market and increase demand so supply will go up knocking the price down for the little guys. Sarcasm Alert: Thanks politicians for working so hard to provide an alternate solution from Big Oil!
Savings:
I opened an ING account and it is pretty sweet. I get 4.25% interest, but I wonder if there is anything better out there. I'm thinking about doing a CD... any suggestions? I figure that any amount of money I earn for doing nothing is good money, even if a CD is only 1% more than a savings account with ING.
Investing:
I need serious help with this. I want to invest in alternative fuel sources. My buddy Dave is currently the only person I know that is serious about stocks. He has some thoughts on where to stick money, but it would be nice to get a diverse set of opinions. Right now it doesn't look like there is any good move.. maybe Oil or Precious Metals. How much money should you start with when investing... is it a good move, or should you put your money somewhere else (401k, IRA, Mutual Fund, CD etc.)? Is there a ratio of money to living expenses that you should consider so you don't lose your shirt? Are the payoffs really that good for the little investors or does it require something over 10,000 dollars to see any real profit?
Interesting little quote I found about Tesla Motors - Hyipdiscussion.com
They are backed by some big timers and their new electric car out performed a Porche Head to Head with a 100+ MPG fuel rating!!! Profit Margins are well over 40+ on their first product being revealed soon. With those profit Margins and a Private company backed by 60Mil from Google, Merrill, GS, And Paypal Co-Founder as the Chairman Of their board. This Company was only built to GO PUBLIC!!! First Product is a niche market with huge Margins. Then that growth will cashflow into their Family Sedan models to follow... Definately keep an eye on this one.
Living Area:
Kristin and I have been thinking about where we will be in 2010. Will we be in Northern Virginia or will we head South to Charleston or West to Colorado? It does seem exciting to make a move and head somewhere else, but is it practical? What are the advantages and disadvantages to moving somewhere else. It does sound exciting, but will I find a job and will be able afford it? Where will all our friends be by that time? Will you be somewhere else, why?
Job & Education:
I think I still like my job... but what other options do I have? I'm an enterprise architect/manager. Does that make me marketable other places? Will I get paid somewhere else what I'm paid here? Should I go back to school, if so what should I go back for? I'll have to think about this one... if I'm going to change positions or careers I'll have to think carefully. Let me know what you do and if you like it... I'll be happy to go more in depth as to what an Enterprise Architect is if you have questions about it. I just don't want to bore everyone that isn't reading this with what it is I do.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Bar Golf Champion!!!
July 2nd, 2006 shall go down in history as the first annual Bar Golf Tournament held in Harrisonburg, VA. In recognition of Dave Moore turning 30 on July 6th, 2006 a tournament of wills and strong livers was held to determine who had the stamina to make it through 8 bars and over 9 hours of drinking. The official score card can be found on my website under spreadsheets. I may attempt to finish scoring as I was knocked out of commission sometime around the 6th bar.
The first tee was at Outback Steakhouse at 4 p.m., an old stomping ground for many of us, and the place where friendships/relationships were forged for most of us. The par was only 1 so it was easily achieved, however Kenny Close made a bold move to start the day off with a long drive using his Liquid Cocaine 3 wood. Brian Cassidy and Steve Luttrell were not to be outdone and quickly followed suit. The leader board read pretty evenly with most of us getting 1 under par.
Following Outback the group move north to Hams, previously The Biltmore, to face a new challenge... no bathroom breaks. Most participants felt the pinch of not being able to use the restroom almost instantly. This, however, was easily overcome as the rules clearly state that bathroom breaks are permitted when not using your gender specific rooms. Katie Mullqueen, Steve Luttrell, David Moore, Brian Cassidy, and Curtis Lupton made a strategic play to use the opposite sex bathroom and have an additional drink to put them at one under par for the hole.
Moving east the 14 some made their way to The Pub, previously Alstons, where a "rain" delay kept the group from making any progress. All attempts to Tee off from the Pub were thwarted so an auxiliary hole was established and the move was made to go and tee off from Jalisco's. There everyone enjoyed a much needed bathroom break, chips, salsa, and cole slaw?? Katie and Curtis made a push to try and subtract some strokes from their score by doing some challenges, but in the end Katie was the only one able to push ahead as all golfers wrapped their head in napkins countering Curtis' challenge.
Now needing to travel by golf cart across town to BW3s the group speedily made their way to the fourth hole. There all participants worked diligently to achieve par 2 on this long dog leg left hole. B52 challenges were taken by several players and a quick departure was made to downtown Harrisonburg for a long Par 3 at Dave's Taverna.
Here at Dave's it was clear that conservative play was showing to be the best strategy as the weary and drunk group was beginning to feel the strain of such a long day. Many of us were falling behind in pace, but others were make a strong push to finish the night and make it to the last green. In the hazy memory of this commentator and participant, I can not say with clear conviction what happened there. I believe I had 2 beers but I can't say for sure. I can't say for sure either if a challenge was taken or not. It may require the entire groups collective memory to piece together what happend.
Regardless of what happened at Dave's we pressed onward to the Artful Dodger and made short work of a well needed Par 1. Now approaching 10:30 p.m and 6.5 hours of play time I had begun to lose track of what most people were doing and was concentrating on not falling over or losing my stomach. Past the Dodger we moved to Calhoun's were I used the opportunity to drink water and regain some composure.
Needless to say I did not regain my composure and retired that evening well over par for the day at the last green, Finnigan's Cove. I think there is some debate as to who actually succeeded and won the tournament. It is in my opinion that either Brian Cassidy or Kenny Close won, but I really can't say for sure. I do have to say though it was impressive to see so many people participate and make it to the end whether or not they achieved par or not. Final play time ended around 12:45 a.m., adding up to approximately 9 hours of offical playing time.
The first tee was at Outback Steakhouse at 4 p.m., an old stomping ground for many of us, and the place where friendships/relationships were forged for most of us. The par was only 1 so it was easily achieved, however Kenny Close made a bold move to start the day off with a long drive using his Liquid Cocaine 3 wood. Brian Cassidy and Steve Luttrell were not to be outdone and quickly followed suit. The leader board read pretty evenly with most of us getting 1 under par.
Following Outback the group move north to Hams, previously The Biltmore, to face a new challenge... no bathroom breaks. Most participants felt the pinch of not being able to use the restroom almost instantly. This, however, was easily overcome as the rules clearly state that bathroom breaks are permitted when not using your gender specific rooms. Katie Mullqueen, Steve Luttrell, David Moore, Brian Cassidy, and Curtis Lupton made a strategic play to use the opposite sex bathroom and have an additional drink to put them at one under par for the hole.
Moving east the 14 some made their way to The Pub, previously Alstons, where a "rain" delay kept the group from making any progress. All attempts to Tee off from the Pub were thwarted so an auxiliary hole was established and the move was made to go and tee off from Jalisco's. There everyone enjoyed a much needed bathroom break, chips, salsa, and cole slaw?? Katie and Curtis made a push to try and subtract some strokes from their score by doing some challenges, but in the end Katie was the only one able to push ahead as all golfers wrapped their head in napkins countering Curtis' challenge.
Now needing to travel by golf cart across town to BW3s the group speedily made their way to the fourth hole. There all participants worked diligently to achieve par 2 on this long dog leg left hole. B52 challenges were taken by several players and a quick departure was made to downtown Harrisonburg for a long Par 3 at Dave's Taverna.
Here at Dave's it was clear that conservative play was showing to be the best strategy as the weary and drunk group was beginning to feel the strain of such a long day. Many of us were falling behind in pace, but others were make a strong push to finish the night and make it to the last green. In the hazy memory of this commentator and participant, I can not say with clear conviction what happened there. I believe I had 2 beers but I can't say for sure. I can't say for sure either if a challenge was taken or not. It may require the entire groups collective memory to piece together what happend.
Regardless of what happened at Dave's we pressed onward to the Artful Dodger and made short work of a well needed Par 1. Now approaching 10:30 p.m and 6.5 hours of play time I had begun to lose track of what most people were doing and was concentrating on not falling over or losing my stomach. Past the Dodger we moved to Calhoun's were I used the opportunity to drink water and regain some composure.
Needless to say I did not regain my composure and retired that evening well over par for the day at the last green, Finnigan's Cove. I think there is some debate as to who actually succeeded and won the tournament. It is in my opinion that either Brian Cassidy or Kenny Close won, but I really can't say for sure. I do have to say though it was impressive to see so many people participate and make it to the end whether or not they achieved par or not. Final play time ended around 12:45 a.m., adding up to approximately 9 hours of offical playing time.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Zimmerman's walk-off lifts Nats
Zimmerman's walk-off lifts Nats: "Ryan Zimmerman's two-run home run in the ninth inning lifted the Nationals over the Yankees, 3-2, in front of a sellout crowd of 45,157 fans on Sunday. It was the largest single-game crowd in RFK history."
Yankees left their Wang in too long at RFK. "When you don't pull your Wang out soon enough that is when mistakes happen." (Kristin Lupton making an observation that starting pitcher Chien-Ming Wang stayed in the game a bit too long)
An awesome weekend for Nationals fans!!! I may have to recant my last post. Although I was surrounded by Yankees fans during tailgating and at the game, I did get to high-five random Nats fans. With a late rally on Saturday and a walk off homerun there was deffenitely a lot to cheer about. The fans were awesome... everyone refused to let the Yank fans take over with loud "Johnny" chants and "Lets go Yankees". Yakee supporters were either, rightfully, booed or taken over by "Lets go Nats" chants. Both Saturday and Sunday were by far the most exciting games I have ever attended. I now of visions of an exciting and beautifully constructed Southeast waterfront, complete with a new National's Stadium. The plans for the new stadium look awesome, and hopefully by 2008 we'll have a contending team and just as important a loyal fan base there to propel the players to a post season.
Now if this support can only be carried over to the games in which the Nats play the Devil Rays, Marlins, and less popular teams.
Yankees left their Wang in too long at RFK. "When you don't pull your Wang out soon enough that is when mistakes happen." (Kristin Lupton making an observation that starting pitcher Chien-Ming Wang stayed in the game a bit too long)
An awesome weekend for Nationals fans!!! I may have to recant my last post. Although I was surrounded by Yankees fans during tailgating and at the game, I did get to high-five random Nats fans. With a late rally on Saturday and a walk off homerun there was deffenitely a lot to cheer about. The fans were awesome... everyone refused to let the Yank fans take over with loud "Johnny" chants and "Lets go Yankees". Yakee supporters were either, rightfully, booed or taken over by "Lets go Nats" chants. Both Saturday and Sunday were by far the most exciting games I have ever attended. I now of visions of an exciting and beautifully constructed Southeast waterfront, complete with a new National's Stadium. The plans for the new stadium look awesome, and hopefully by 2008 we'll have a contending team and just as important a loyal fan base there to propel the players to a post season.
Now if this support can only be carried over to the games in which the Nats play the Devil Rays, Marlins, and less popular teams.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Nationals Fans Scarce
Yankees are coming to the District this weekend. While I'm looking forward to seeing RFK stadium full of people I'm not looking forward to the majority of those people wearing pin stripes.
I find it annoying that D.C. can't become a great sports town like New York, Boston, or Detroit. I say Detroit not because it is an awesome city but because it has some loyalty to it's teams. Same could be said for Pittsburgh. Both are crappy towns but the fans are awesome.
I want to know what it will take to make D.C. into a great town for watching games. Will it take a marquee player like Soriano to get people interested in coming out. I'm sick of going to my seats and having the opposing teams fans surrounding me. I would just like to get up one time after a homerun has been hit and high five a stranger who shares no common bond then simply being a Nats fan.
I need a place that I can go to and be assured that there will be a D.C. oriented event on and fans who are genuinely interested in what is happening. I need a place where load cheering and chanting occurs, and it doesn't involve the Redskins.
In the end it will take time to build up some kind of history. It seems people are only drawn to the historical aspect of a team. You don't see many people getting excited about the Devil Rays or even the Marlins even though they have won a World Series and been in the playoffs several times.
I'm making a stance now to pass on a sense of pride about the D.C. nats to my children and proliferating the idea of D.C. as a great sports town. Hopefully as I approach death I can walk down M st. and feel the electricity in the air during the months between April and October as the nationals take the field 81 times in downtown D.C.!
I find it annoying that D.C. can't become a great sports town like New York, Boston, or Detroit. I say Detroit not because it is an awesome city but because it has some loyalty to it's teams. Same could be said for Pittsburgh. Both are crappy towns but the fans are awesome.
I want to know what it will take to make D.C. into a great town for watching games. Will it take a marquee player like Soriano to get people interested in coming out. I'm sick of going to my seats and having the opposing teams fans surrounding me. I would just like to get up one time after a homerun has been hit and high five a stranger who shares no common bond then simply being a Nats fan.
I need a place that I can go to and be assured that there will be a D.C. oriented event on and fans who are genuinely interested in what is happening. I need a place where load cheering and chanting occurs, and it doesn't involve the Redskins.
In the end it will take time to build up some kind of history. It seems people are only drawn to the historical aspect of a team. You don't see many people getting excited about the Devil Rays or even the Marlins even though they have won a World Series and been in the playoffs several times.
I'm making a stance now to pass on a sense of pride about the D.C. nats to my children and proliferating the idea of D.C. as a great sports town. Hopefully as I approach death I can walk down M st. and feel the electricity in the air during the months between April and October as the nationals take the field 81 times in downtown D.C.!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)